Google, Facebook...www.dining.harvard.edu?

The relationship between Harvard University Dining Services and Harvard students is rarely free of problems. Think dining hours, the nutritional information cards, and the endless varieties of squash.

But Ted A. Meyer, the executive director of HUDS, wants you to know something: they’re listening.

Enter the HUDS Web site. The Web site’s feedback page is the newest way for HUDS to stay in touch with students, joining established means like comment cards and surveys. “There’s no one method of preferred communication,” Meyer says. “Everyone has their own and we try to have as many avenues as possible.”

Since it was revamped in 2005 by design firm mediumbold, the HUDS Web site has become an integral source of information for the administrators and students alike. With sleek graphics and fun facts, it displays detailed menus and nutritional information. Students can order meals to go and arrange for their pick-up at dining halls across the campus. And Meyer “dialogues” through weekly posts on the HUDS blog.

Last semester, students in the Environmental Science and Public Policy 10. “Environmental Policy” examined HUDS as a case study, anticipating how the Web site may increase awareness about sustainability.

Tiziana Smith ’11, a student in ESPP 10, was among the students who presented to the HUDS staff. “We wanted to streamline the Web site and make it more user-friendly,” she explains. Some of their suggestions included more frequent updates and developing a rollover menu on the home page with nutritional information.

Meyer is working with Crista Martin, HUDS director of marketing and communications, to implement these recommendations. “In all our efforts we are trying to give people the breadth of information they are looking for, to continue to tell you about the food and the services and the people,” she says.

So there’s no need to wonder whether the main course is acorn or butternut squash next time; the answer is just a few clicks away.